BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 1249
85R12713 DMS-D	By: Goldman (Hinojosa)
	Transportation
	5/10/2017
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Concerns have been reported regarding the operation of vehicles purchased from an authorized emergency medical services (EMS) provider when the useful life of the vehicle has expired without the removal of the easily recognized identifying insignia, such as the star of life emblem and emergency lights, which can mislead a reasonable person as to the vehicle's purpose.

H.B. 1249 seeks to prevent any confusion that may arise from the operation of these non-licensed EMS vehicles and to require the removal of certain identifying features before such a vehicle can be driven in public.

H.B. 1249 amends current law relating to a prohibition of certain motor vehicles resembling emergency medical services vehicles and creates a criminal offense.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 773, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 773.017, as follows:

Sec. 773.017. USE OF CERTAIN EXTERNAL MOTOR VEHICLE MARKINGS OR FEATURES PROHIBITED; CRIMINAL OFFENSE. (a) Prohibits a person from operating a motor vehicle in this state that resembles an emergency medical services vehicle unless the person uses the motor vehicle as an emergency medical services vehicle under this chapter (Emergency Medical Services) or for other legitimate governmental functions, including police or firefighting services.

(b) Provides that a motor vehicle resembles an emergency medical services vehicle if the motor vehicle has on the exterior of the motor vehicle certain markings or features.

(c) Provides that a person commits an offense if the person violates this section. Provides that an offense under this subsection is a Class C misdemeanor.

(d) Provides that this section does not apply to a motor vehicle bearing a license plate issued or approved under Section 504.501 (Classic Motor Vehicles and Travel Trailers; Custom Vehicles; Street Rods) or 504.502 (Certain Exhibition Vehicles; Offense), Transportation Code.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2017.